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PERIMENOPAUSE INCREASED MIGRAINE

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Migraine Headache
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Posted 8/4/2006 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
HI EVERYONE.  I have had migraines for the past 17 years, but was lucky enough to get them controlled with chiropractic.  I will be 46 years old next month.  I have noticed that within the last 6 months or so I have increased the incidents and severity of my migraines.  I get them at least once a month or more.  Has anyone else had experiences with increases when entering menopause?  I also get an aura.  I noticed them lasting longer.  I have a fear that they will never stop.  I guess I am being irrational but I almost fear the aura more than the headache.  Anyonce else experience this or am I crazy?  I also have problems relaxing after the headache goes away, always on the lookout for another.  Think a weird like or shadow is the start of another headache and can't calm down.
Posted 8/4/2006 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I am 48 and my headaches increased significantly the past 2 years and are always worse around my period, so you are not crazy! Altho I know menopause lasts for years, at least there is an end to it, and that is what I am looking forward to. I am trying some preventatives, but so far, still getting alot of headaches. I know what you mean about relaxing, its hard when you dont know when the next one will hit. I am now on effexor (for depression/anxiety) which helps alot. I never considered myself a depressed person, but the headaches will do it to you! Anyway good luck to you.

Natali
Posted 8/4/2006 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi noelygirl,

Welcome to Healing Well. I have had migraine for over 30 years and it has got worse the older I have got!! But please don't panic as I believe there are some reasons for that, but I can identify a little with your feelings of fear and difficulty relaxing, because sometimes they make me feel like this pain is never going to go!! I do not have any aura.

Part of the reason I had it tough during the menopause was that I had a problem with rebound headaches because of narcotic medication that I was having and didn't realise the effect it would have. Now I do not take these meds anymore I do feel better on a day to day basis! As I am now 7 years post-menopausal and still getting them frequently I have been referred to a Neurologist who is a Headache Specialist, who is exploring my pituitary function as he believes that can have some influence with headache. But if it is not this then I know he will not stop until he is happy with treatment and what is happening with my migraine.

It will be a few months before I have the pituitary tests so I will have to be patient! Have you seen a Neurologist, if so what have they said? What treatments are you on? I know menopause can aggravate migraine, but try not to worry, I can understand your fear though, but to get it into perspective you need to talk to a Doctor. Hang in there, and let us know how you get on.

take care Ann
Posted 8/12/2006 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, I am not the only one in the world with these horrible PMS migraines.  I will be 45 next week, and for the past 6 or 8 months I have really struggled with this.  I have always had headaches, but when these new ones hit, I couldn't believe it.  I go to a neurologist, but so far not much has helped in the way of prevent meds.  I can count on a full week of daily migraines the week before my cycle, as well as others throughout the month.  But it's the week of migraines that makes life so unbearable.  Hormones, I am learning, are a bear to work with.  Menopause will be such a relief!

Posted 8/30/2006 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
I am 43 years old and am having daily migraines, I am currently taking 75 mgs of topamax with little relief. I had brain surgery four years ago, due to scar tissue on my brain the surgery was a sucess and no complications, but now the migraines and increased. I think it may be premenopause, or maybe just the change in seasons, anyway I go to see my neurologist Sept 6th.

I don't know if there is anything else they can give me, or if I just have to deal with it. the migraines start out in my right temple then eventually end up in my neck and shoulders. they are draining to say the least, the other day I was taking a shower, and thought I was going to pass out and had to cut the shower off and sit down really quickly. It may be that I just got overheated, and I had a migraine also, hoping it's nothing else. it's been good for me to read your post here, I haven't had anyone else to talk to that could relate.

Blessings,

Mercyme
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